Slamdance 2022 Film Festival – In a sumptuous retelling of the Edgar Allen Poe classic The Masque of the Red Death, Scarlet Red is a remarkably unique visual feast, operating in a beautiful world between live action and animation, delivered with almost no dialogue.

Entertainment abounds in the seven rooms of King Prospero’s castle, where a masked ball is taking place. A band, a ballerina, a fool, a pope… all creating a show for the eyes and ears as food and drink runs like water from a waterfall. Splendor is the word one would use to describe this fantastic world Prospero has created for his guests — until they reach the final, seventh room.

Captivating, and bizarre, Scarlet Red seems to be equal parts art film and music video – experimental and high concept, futuristic and anachronistic. A completely unfamiliar type of visual story is used here, something I can’t recall ever seeing, particularly in American filmmaking. There are hints of Mirror Mask, an often forgotten adaptation of a Neil Gaiman story, and perhaps hints of Dark City or City of Lost Children – both appreciated by specific groups of viewers, but ignored by the masses. Scarlet Red is, clearly, not made for “everyone,” or as I refer to it, “the lowest common denominator” of filmgoers. This is high art – and requires attention and thought beyond a mindless trip to the movies.

Glorious sound and color are the foundation of Scarlet Red, 13 minutes of cinematic brilliance.

8 Out of 10